Peterson joined the French air service in 1916. He gained his first victory while in the Lafayette Escadrille, on 19 September 1917. He had to switch to flying a Nieuport 28 for the 94th Aero Squadron to score again, which he did once on 3 May 1918 and twice on 15 May. Two days later, he was a Flight Commander in the 95th Aero Squadron, scoring his fifth win. Three days later, he tallied his final victory.

"For extraordinary heroism in action near Luneville, France, on 3 May 1918. Leading a patrol of three, Captain Peterson encountered five enemy planes at an altitude of 3,500 meters and immediately gave battle. Notwithstanding the fact that he was attacked from all sides, this officer, by skilful maneuvering, succeeded in...Read More